Building Blocks community leadership program 2026
United for Diversity:
Building Leaders for the Future
Developing leaders, develops community
Wyndham’s Building Blocks community leadership program is an inspiring program offering a unique opportunity to learn community leadership skills, connect with other passionate community-minded people and be supported to undertake a local community project.
Wyndham's Building Blocks Community Leadership Program has been operating since 2014. The program continues to play an important part in the local landscape of Wyndham. There have been 22 programs delivered, involving over 400 local leaders, delivering over 165+ community projects and actions.
The 2026 program continues this tradition, this time mobilising community leaders around the theme of facilitating intercultural connection, understanding and being 'united for diversity'.
'Interculturalism' recognises the value of diverse communities and the importance of creating opportunities to build relationships, trust, respect and understanding. Intercultural practice involves the intentional fostering of meaningful interactions, shared learning, and strong collaboration among people of different cultural backgrounds. Strengthening intercultural leadership skills and knowledge helps build communities where diversity thrives and all cultures are respected.
We are seeking local community members who have the energy, heart and passion to build intercultural connections and a sense of belonging in Wyndham.
NO COST - a Wyndham City program
Please review the program information below before you apply.
Applications open: Monday 23 February
Close: Sunday 29 March at 12 noon
For the purpose of Wyndham’s Building Blocks Community Leadership Program, we define a community leader as:
“A community member who mobilises and empowers others to make positive change within the Wyndham community through tangible actions with demonstrable community benefits.”
Helpful hints about the application form
Here are the key selection questions:
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What is/has been your involvement in the Wyndham community?
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Why do you want to take part in the Building Blocks Community Leadership Program?
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What does being "united for diversity" mean to you? Why do you think 'interculturalism' is something worth focussing on?
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Taking action: Thinking about the diversity in Wyndham, what would you like to see happen to create more connections across diverse cultures, or to build more understanding and respect between cultures? How might we become a community 'united for diversity'? How would you like to make a difference?
Hint: share any project ideas you might have related to building intercultural connections, respect and understanding.
Program information
Eligibility & Application process
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You must live, work, learn or play in Wyndham
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You must be 18+ years old
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You must be able to commit to participate in all the scheduled sessions
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You must fully participate in planning and delivering a group project
Application process
SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION
Applications close Sunday 29 March at noon.
SHORTLISTING
You will be notified if you have or have not been shortlisted on Wednesday 1 April.
ONLINE GROUP INTERVIEW
Short listed candidates will be invited to participate in an online Group Interview on Wednesday 8 April @ 6.30pm.
FINAL SELECTION
Offers will be sent out by Wednesday 15 April.
Formal acceptance MUST be made by Wednesday 22 April.
ONBOARDING SESSION
Wednesday 29 April from 6.30 - 8pm at the Civic Centre. If you are selected we will follow up on these items in order to complete your enrolment in to the program:
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current Working with Children Check
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photo/video permission form
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organise access the Building Blocks learning platform
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organise a Whats App group for program communication.
START THE PROGRAM
Saturday 2 May at 1pm at the Civic Centre in Werribee. A Welcome to Country ceremony will happen at this first session.
About the Program
Building Blocks is a 3 month program commencing in May and closing in July 2026. The delivery of the program is a blend of face to face and online via Zoom.
In Building Blocks we have a philosophy of 'learning by doing'. It is a fun, supportive and amazing program where you can connect, learn and grow!
The program incorporates five learning areas:
1. Community development frameworks and values
2. Leading self and others - working reflectively, collaboratively and with care
3. Civic Participation - how local government works
4. Action Planning - enacting leadership through delivering a community project
5. First Nations knowledge building is woven throughout the program.
You will learn about the values and practices that inform 'community leadership' and active participation in your community. You will also explore your own leadership style, and how to collaboratively work in groups and build local networks. You will learn about the structures and processes of local government so that you can understand how to influence local decisions and engage effectively with Council.
A key feature of the Building Blocks program is that you will learn how to apply for grants, and design and deliver a small community project. This is a GROUP PROJECT and there will be three groups formed. Each group will receive funding for their small community project.
You will also learn about the diversity of Wyndham and gain an understanding of 'interculturalism'. Your project will contribute to building a culturally connected, respectful and united Wyndham.
Program dates
Workshops
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Saturday 2 May
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Wednesday 6 May
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Saturday 16 May
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Wednesday 20 May
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Wednesday 27 May
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Saturday 30 May
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Wednesday 10 June
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Saturday 13 June
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Saturday 25 July (Debrief & close)
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Saturday sessions from 1pm - 5pm at the Civic Centre, 45 Princes Hwy , Werribee.
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Wednesday sessions from 6.30 - 8.30pm online
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there are 5 face to face sessions, and 4 online sessions
Optional session: attend a Council Meeting and a guided debrief on TUESDAY 26 May online at 6pm - 8pm.
Project planning & delivery - June to July
THREE Project Groups will be formed. Some planning work will be undertaken in the scheduled sessions but some extra time will need to be set aside for "homework" /independent group planning - no more than two hours a week.
The actual projects MUST be delivered between Saturday 27 June and Sunday 19 July (project groups select a date to deliver their project).
Debrief and Close
Saturday 25 July
Graduation:
Saturday 1 August
Questions?
Contact: eoi@hothouseprojects.org
The Hot House team
Helen Rodd, Lead Facilitator
Hot House Projects
Pirooz Jafari, Facilitator
Track C Consulting
Hannah Veljanovska
Hot House Living Lab inc
Veronika Levkenchova
Hot House Living Lab inc
& Building Blocks alumni
Soraya Barr
Hot House Living Lab inc
PROJECT MENTORS to be announced soon!
we are in the process of employing two Building Blocks alumni from last year's program in to our team for 2026
A NOTE for Building Blocks alumni
Building Blocks started in 2014, and since then 22 programs have been delivered, this being the 23rd program. There are over 400 people who have graduated from the Building Blocks (BB) program, who are now part of the Community Leadership Network in Wyndham.
Those who participate in this program will be invited to join the network.
Past participants of Building Blocks programs (the "alumni") are not eligible to apply for this program. Other exciting opportunities specifically for alumni will be offered throughout the year.